Access point

Luray Town Park / Accesson Shenandoah River (North Fork)

Central access in Luray with wadeable runs and good smallmouth water downstream of the town.

Shenandoah River (North Fork) report Directions38.6648°N, 78.4582°W

Bite report · week of Oct 4

Musky Fly (size 3/0): For musky

01Musky Fly (size 3/0): For musky, target fall aggression with larger profile flies.
02Woolly Bugger (Olive) (size 6): An indispensable all-around streamer, mimicking leeches, baitfish, and larger nymphs.
03Hellgrammite Fly (size 6): A staple for smallmouth, carp, and musky in this rocky river.
04Crayfish (Fly) (size 4): Deadly when stripped slowly along the bottom for carp and larger bluegill.
05October Caddis (Dry) (size 8): Great for aggressive topwater takes from carp and bluegill if you find them on the surface.

What to tie on at Luray Town Park / Access

Picked from recent reports for this stretch.

nymph80%

Hellgrammite Fly

#4#6#8

A staple for smallmouth, carp, and musky in this rocky river. Fish it deep to imitate the large, protein-rich Dobsonfly larva, a consistent food source.

streamer80%

Black Woolly Bugger (Bass)

#4#6#8

The movement of a black bugger triggers territorial strikes from lethargic fish. In the North Fork, it also serves as a crossover fly for wintering smallmouth.

nymph80%

Hellgrammite Fly

#4#6#8

Hellgrammites are a year-round staple for many bottom-feeding species, including musky and carp. This pattern is effective when dragged slowly along the rocky riverbed.

nymph80%

Damsel nymphs become highly active in late spring and summer as they migrate towards shore. This olive pattern is effective when stripped slowly along the abundant weed beds, attracting bluegill and carp.

streamer80%

Woolly Bugger (Olive)

#4#6#8

An indispensable all-around streamer. Its versatile action mimics leeches, baitfish, and larger nymphs, appealing to carp, bluegill, and even opportunistic musky.

streamer80%

Crayfish (Fly)

#2#4#6

Crayfish are a consistent food source throughout the Shenandoah River (North Fork). This imitation is deadly when stripped slowly along the bottom, triggering strikes from carp and larger bluegill.

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nymph80%

Flashback Hare's Ear Nymph

#14#16#18

An excellent general searching nymph, mimicking various active aquatic insects that carp and bluegill feed on subsurface year-round.

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October Caddis (Dry)

#6#8#10

If you spot larger caddis fluttering on the surface, this is your go-to. The largest caddis of the year, it can draw aggressive topwater takes from carp and bluegill on the right day.

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streamer80%